LGBT inclusive mental health services – good practice guide
Publication date: 18 Aug, 2022
The Mental Welfare Commission today published an updated good practice guide aimed at raising awareness of the rights of LGBT people in hospital and in the community.
The guide is for staff working in mental health wards, community services and primary care services. It may also be helpful for people who identify as LGBT and their families and friends.
LGBT people have higher rates of mental ill health, particularly anxiety, depression and eating disorders, than the general population.
They are also much more likely to think about suicide or self-harm: 20-25% compared with 2.4% in the general population.
When people’s experience of health care has been examined, almost 60% of trans people and 27% of LGB people reported that they have experienced a lack of understanding of their needs through their experience of healthcare.
The updated guide, which was co-produced with LGBT Health and Wellbeing, includes practical recommendations for making services more accessible and LGBT-friendly. It includes real life case studies and it advises on terminology and the law.
Suzanne McGuinness, executive director (social work), Mental Welfare Commission, said:
“While giving practical advice on real life situations, the guide recognises that LGBT people are a diverse community who at times experience prejudice, whether intentional or not, and inequalities.
“We hope this guide will help equip mental health and social care professionals with the information they need to provide the best possible care and support to LGBT people.
”Key points are to focus on the individual who is in our care, taking their lead from how they describe themselves and their identity, and to make sure the environment is supportive.“
The guide will be shared with health boards, health and social care partnerships and other services across Scotland.